No Sugar, No Artificial Colors, No Artificials Flavors, Sodium Free, No Wheat, No Gluten, No Soy, No Diary, Yeast Free

Warning: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, on have a medical condition. Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Distributed by: General Nutrition Corporation Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Health Notes

Disclaimer:
This scientific independent research is provided by Aisle7 and is for informational use only. GNC provides this information as a service but does not endorse it. Likewise, Aisle7 does not recommend or endorse any specific products.

For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary "Star-Rating" system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Dose: 500 to 1,000 mg cynarin in a standardized herbal extract three times per day

Bitter herbs are thought to stimulate digestive function by increasing saliva production and promoting both stomach acid and digestive enzyme production.1 As a result, they are particularly used when there is low stomach acid but not in heartburn (where too much stomach acid could initially exacerbate the situation). These herbs literally taste bitter. Some examples of bitter herbs include greater celandine, wormwood, gentian,dandelion, blessed thistle, yarrow, devil's claw, bitter orange, bitter melon, juniper, andrographis, prickly ash, and centaury.2. Bitters are generally taken either by mixing 1-3 ml tincture into water and sipping slowly 10-30 minutes before eating, or by making tea, which is also sipped slowly before eating.

Artichoke, in addition to being an edible plant, is a mild bitter. Extracts of artichoke have been repeatedly shown in double-blind research to be beneficial for people with indigestion.3 Artichoke is particularly useful when the problem is lack of bile production by the liver.4 Extracts providing 500-1,000 mg per day of cynarin, the main active constituent of artichoke, are recommended by doctors.

In a preliminary study of people with irritable bowel syndrome who took an artichoke leaf extract daily for two months, 26% reported an improvement in symptoms.1 Because no placebo group was used in this study and because irritable bowel syndrome has a high rate of response to placebo, additional research is needed to confirm this report. The amount of artichoke leaf used in the study was 320 or 640 mg per day of a 1:5 standardized extract.

Artichoke has moderately lowered cholesterol and triglycerides in some,1, 2 but not all,3 human trials. One double-blind trial found that 900 mg of artichoke extract per day significantly lowered serum cholesterol and LDL cholesterol but did not decrease triglycerides or raise HDL cholesterol.4 However, in another double-blind trial, supplementation with an artichoke extract significantly increased HDL cholesterol.5 Cholesterol-lowering effects occurred when using 320 mg of standardized leaf extract taken two to three times per day for at least six weeks.

Parts Used & Where Grown

This large thistle-like plant is native to the regions of southern Europe, North Africa, and the Canary Islands. The leaves of the plant are used medicinally. However, the roots and the immature flower heads may also contain beneficial compounds.1

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2016.

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Took one pill three times a day and it lowered ldl by 15% raised hdl by 25% Took three pills at night it returned to previous levelTook three pills in the morning and it lowered ldl by 14% raised hdl by 25% Will raise the pills to four in the morning sometime in the future but i am adding green tea extract now and am going to what until the doctor sees these number. He won't be happy as ldl went from 199 to 170 he keeps saying it needs to be 100.